Best TV Shows in India

Introduction

Televisions are a major source of entertainment in India. From the '90s to the early 2010s, they were the only source of daily entertainment, before the internet became widespread. The scope of TV serials is huge in India, with thousands of regional and Hindi serials aired over the years. These serials captivate audiences with relatable characters and engaging storylines. They serve as a stress reliever after a long day and bring families together at the dinner table.
TV serials can be categorized into daily soaps and seasonal series. Daily soaps in India gradually gain popularity as they reach every household and become a daily routine. On the other hand, web series and seasonal shows are created across multiple genres and themes to cater to a certain audience. There is a growing demand for unique and engaging content with the rise of independent TV channels and OTT platforms.

History of TV Serials

The first TV Serial Hum Log was aired by Doordarshan in 1984. This laid the foundation for upcoming state-run and private channel serials to experiment and innovate in the television sector. Iconic serials such as the Mahabharat and Ramayan were cultural milestones in Indian history. With the introduction of religious and mythological serials, television was no longer an urban concept but had become mainstream in rural areas.
The entry of private channels like Zee TV, Star Plus, and Sony Entertainment changed the landscape of Indian television forever. The audiences were introduced to a wider range of genres, including family dramas, thrillers, comedy shows, mythological serials, etc. Daily soaps were aired at a fixed time every day which audiences devotedly followed. The rise of OTT platforms gave rise to independently produced series. The audiences get access to exclusive content in exchange for a subscription fee on the platform. There is more room and freedom for innovation and original concepts today.

Major TV Channels and OTT Platforms

There are hundreds of regional and Hindi TV channels in India. However, some popular channels reached a wider audience with iconic shows and characters that people still talk about. Some popular channels include-

• Star Plus- Known for its engaging family dramas which explored various themes and showcased both the elite and normal Indian middle-class families.

• Sony Entertainment-- Sony had some of India’s most iconic daily soaps, crime thrillers, and reality shows over the years. Popular serials such as Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasma, CID, Kaun Banega Crorepati, etc. were part of the Sony channel.

• Zee TV-- Zee has been a major player in the Indian entertainment industry since its inception. It had some of the longest-running TV shows in India with serials like Pavitra Rishta. Zee also hosted reality competitions such as Sa Re Ga Ma and Dance India Dance.

• Colors TV-- Colors is a relatively new channel launched in 2008 that gained popularity due to unique shows like Big Boss and Khatron Ke Khiladi.

The OTT platform space is also cluttered with various streaming platforms offering quality content. However, a few stand-out names like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Hotstar, and Apple TV are major platforms today. These platforms air new and exclusive series from around the world and also offer iconic international sitcoms such as Friends and The Office.
Mouthshut lists reviews and ratings of top TV serials in India over the years. You can sort the serials by their channels, and read reviews of the best serials on each channel. The serials on Mouthshut are rated considering factors such as acting, mass appeal, plot, and overall feel. You will also find the latest and most popular web series on platforms like Disney Hotstar and Apple TV. Choose and binge-watch engaging series based on reviews of fans and critics.

Final Words

The cultural and social impact of TV serials, especially in the pre-Internet era, led to the growing success of the television industry. Serials are not a mere form of entertainment, but a medium to connect with family and friends. From the early days of Doordarshan to modern high-definition OTT platforms, serials largely contribute to the viewership in India.
Various factors make a serial popular in India, such as compelling storytelling (Mahabharat), unique concepts (Khatron Ke Khiladi), relatable characters (Tarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashma), and mass appeal (Pavitra Rishta) amongst many. The new-age serials are different from traditional daily soaps. They cover broader, more sensitive, and more challenging themes while providing engaging and entertaining content in all genres. You can search for any top-rated series or TV serial in India and read comprehensive reviews on Mouthshut if cannot decide on where to begin.